Reminder: Real estate taxes are due May 1, which is Wednesday next week.

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Garden report: I filled four hanging planters with pansies. I will wait before I do the wave petunias.

The lilac bush that bloomed in October has green buds. However, there are several bare branches. I gently bent a few to see if they were dead but they didn’t break. I will report as the season continues.

The forsythia and all the flowering shrubs and trees have been splendid this spring. What a difference compared to last year.

I have seen peach blossoms and hope the frost possibilities don’t bear fruit. (I couldn’t resist that line.)

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Get out the broom and dust pan — the townwide clean-up day is Saturday, April 27 beginning at 9:30 a.m. It’s rain or shine.

Community participation officers, UMass work study students and you can do various projects around town. Call Angela at 259-3292 at Town Hall to get an assignment.

It is suggested to wear close-toed shoes and eye protection.

If you are spreading manure bring a clothes pin for your nose.

I remember when the clean-up day with students was in the fall. One year I helped paint the swimming pool wall with students. There was no water in the pool.

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The formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for the North Amherst Library addition and renovation will be Thursday, May 2 at 3:30 p.m. While the library has been open for several weeks now, it will be fun to see giant scissors cut a ribbon that is also very large. I have been to the library and it is lovely.

If you go, you can also return or check out a book.

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South Church on Fiddler’s Green in South Amherst continues its takeout meals with the next scheduled for Saturday, May 4 with pickup between 5 and 6 p.m. The menu includes pulled pork, Mac and cheese, baked beans, cole slaw, corn bread and a chocolate chip cookie. There is a vegetarian option.

Call 253-2977 for reservations.

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The annual Daffodil Run to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County will be held Sunday, May 5 starting at 10 a.m. on the Town Common. There is a 5K walk and run and a 10K run. A party follows the event.

Visit chd.org to register.

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